‘Buhari’s gift, sign of desperation’

Chief Francis Fadahunsi, a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Custom, in this interview with Oluwole Ige bared his mind on President Muhammadu Buhari’s recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day, posthumous conferment of national honour on late Chief MKO Abiola and legal titan, Chief Gani Fawehinmi. 

 

WHAT is your take on the recognition of June 12 as the country’s Democracy Day against the hitherto May 29 at this time despite previous clamours by eminent Nigerians, pro- democracy groups and human rights activists?

The timing of the honour is suspicious. This is not the first June 12 since he came to power. It is also a sign of desperation which is not good for an incumbent. The timing is wrong and politically motivated. It can’t appease the wounded citizens and majority of Nigerians who are being traumatised by poverty and frustration, even before Buhari assumed power and now whose conditions have become worsened with the current social and economic realities.

 

Do you think Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the late legal luminary, Fawehinmi deserve the posthumous national honour bestowed on them?

Those given the honour deserve it. It is long overdue, though a host of unsung heroes ought to be identified and honoured as well. Many died for the struggle and also deserved the honour. Abiola wanted to be president, he worked hard and won the election, but unfortunately his victory was annulled. To aggravate the situation then, his wife was gruesomely murdered in a broad daylight, his business empire was grounded. He actually deserved it. Gani Fawehinmi deserved  it too, bearing in mind his immense contribution to the actualisation of June 12 electoral victory which was annulled by a military junta and his quality struggles through legal means in the defence of human rights of Nigerians, irrespective of class, religion, ethnic and political divides.

But Kingibe’s award is questionable. He abandoned that mandate and never acted as a victim. So, why honour him. However, I want Buhari not only to recognise June 12 as the nation’s democracy day, but also without delay declare Abiola as the winner and former president of Nigeria, with all his entitlements paid for that office.

 

What do you think about June 12 as the nation’s new democracy day now as opposed to the usual May 29?

My take is that June 12 should not replace May 29. Are we going to swear in elected governors or president on June 12? Why not call it some other name or even MKO’ Day like we have Martin Luther King Day. I am sure the president acted on impulse and reasons will prevail as times goes on.